Jharkhand Exam Protest Enters Day 19 as Students Reject Assurances, Vow Bigger Stir

The agitation by job aspirants over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand’s recruitment examinations entered its 19th day on Wednesday, with protesters refusing to call off their stir and announcing plans to intensify the movement despite fresh assurances from the state government.

The JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch is demanding greater transparency in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), cancellation of disputed examinations and an independent CBI probe or inquiry by retired High Court judges from outside the state.

The government has agreed to cancel the 14th JPSC preliminary examination and two backlog examinations, while also ordering inquiries into examinations conducted by TSR Data Processing Private Limited. However, students continue to press for cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination and a broader independent investigation.

Tensions escalated on Monday when protesters marching towards the state Assembly clashed with police. Authorities used lathi-charge, tear gas and water cannons to disperse the demonstrators. Protesters alleged injuries among students, while Ranchi Police said 14 personnel were injured.

The confrontation prompted the BJP to call a statewide bandh on Tuesday, affecting markets, roads and educational institutions in several areas. The ABVP also organised a separate march, while the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch held a silent procession in Ranchi.

The prolonged agitation has also raised concerns over the health of fasting protesters. Four students are currently receiving treatment at Ranchi Sadar Hospital, with doctors describing their condition as stable. Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on hunger strike for several days, continues to remain under medical observation.

The sixth round of talks between the government and student representatives on Sunday failed to break the deadlock. Chief Minister Hemant Soren has maintained that his government is committed to reforming the recruitment system and accused the BJP of politicising the students’ movement.

The controversy has also disrupted the state Assembly, which was adjourned sine die a day ahead of schedule following repeated disruptions over the police action.

With students refusing to accept the government’s assurances as sufficient, the recruitment examination controversy continues to pose a major challenge for the Soren government, with protesters preparing for further action in the coming days.